Roofing shingle and method of manufacturing thereof

ABSTRACT

An article includes a first layer including a front surface and a back surface and a second layer including a front surface and a back surface. A portion of the second layer overlaps the first layer. A portion of the second layer is fastened to the first layer. The back surface of the first layer contacts the front surface of the second layer. A plurality of indentations along a major dimension of the roofing shingle. The plurality of indentations are configured to partially press the second layer into the first layer such that the second layer is partially indented into the first layer. The plurality of indentations are at least one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped, rounded taper teardrop shaped, or combinations thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/113,618, filed on Nov. 13, 2020,and entitled “ROOFING SHINGLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF,” theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to roofingshingles. More particularly, at least some embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to roofing shingles and methods for manufacturing roofingshingles.

BACKGROUND

Roofing shingles can be multilayer shingles having two or more layers.The layers of the multilayer shingle may be attached to one another byvarious methods. For example, they may be attached mechanically, with anadhesive, or by a combination of mechanically and with an adhesive.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a roofing shingle includes a first layer includinga front surface and a back surface. In some embodiments, the roofingshingle includes a second layer including a front surface and a backsurface. In some embodiments, a portion of the second layer overlaps thefirst layer. In some embodiments, a portion of the second layer isfastened to the first layer. In some embodiments, the back surface ofthe first layer contacts the front surface of the second layer. In someembodiments, a plurality of indentations are formed along a majordimension of the roofing shingle. In some embodiments, the plurality ofindentations are configured to partially press the second layer into thefirst layer such that the second layer is partially indented into thefirst layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations are atleast one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped, rounded taperteardrop shaped, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the first layer is a dragon tooth layer, and thesecond layer is a backer layer.

In some embodiments, an adhesive is disposed between the first layer andthe second layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations have a depth of 0.05to 0.2 inches.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations include the flattenedteardrop shape and have a depth of 0.1 inches.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations include the roundedtaper teardrop shape and have a depth of 0.1 inches.

In some embodiments, the first layer includes a fines stripe disposed onthe front surface of the first layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations are aligned along themajor dimension of the roofing shingle.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations are oriented along aminor dimension of the article.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations taper such that theplurality of indentations are narrower at an edge of the second layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations extend along anentire length of the area where the first layer overlaps the secondlayer.

In some embodiments, a method includes aligning a first layer of aroofing shingle with a second layer of the roofing shingle. In someembodiments, the first layer includes a front surface and a backsurface. In some embodiments, the second layer includes a front surfaceand a back surface. In some embodiments, the front surface of the secondlayer contacts the back surface of the first layer. In some embodiments,the method includes indenting the second layer into the first layersufficiently to fasten the second layer to the first layer. In someembodiments, the indenting includes forming a plurality of indentationsthat are at least one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped,rounded taper teardrop shaped, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the indenting the second layer into the first layerincludes indenting along a major dimension of the second layer.

In some embodiments, the method includes applying an adhesive to one ofthe back surface of the first layer or the front surface of the secondlayer.

In some embodiments, the applying the adhesive is prior to the aligningthe first layer and the second layer.

In some embodiments, the indenting includes rolling a wheel across theback surface of the second layer. In some embodiments, the wheelincludes a plurality of punches.

In some embodiments, the method includes applying a fines stripe on thefront surface of the first layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations are aligned along amajor dimension of the roofing shingle.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations are oriented along aminor dimension of the roofing shingle.

In some embodiments, the indenting the second layer does not piercethrough the front surface of the first layer.

In some embodiments, an article includes a first layer including a frontsurface and a back surface and a second layer including a front surfaceand a back surface. A portion of the second layer overlaps the firstlayer. A portion of the second layer is fastened to the first layer. Theback surface of the first layer contacts the front surface of the secondlayer. A plurality of indentations along a major dimension of thearticle are configured to partially press the second layer into thefirst layer such that the second layer is partially indented into thefirst layer. The plurality of indentations are at least one ofbarrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped, rounded taper teardrop shaped,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the article is a roofing shingle. In someembodiments, the roofing shingle is a multilayered roofing shingle.

In some embodiments, the first layer is a dragon tooth layer and thesecond layer is a backer layer.

In some embodiments, an adhesive is disposed between the first layer andthe second layer.

In some embodiments, a method includes aligning a first layer of anarticle with a second layer of the article. The first layer includes afront surface and a back surface. The second layer includes a frontsurface and a back surface. The front surface of the second layercontacts the back surface of the first layer. The method includesindenting the second layer into the first layer sufficiently to fastenthe second layer to the first layer. The indenting includes forming aplurality of indentations that are at least one of barrel-shaped,flattened teardrop shaped, rounded taper teardrop shaped, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method includes applying an adhesive to one ofthe back surface of the first layer or the front surface of the secondlayer.

In some embodiments, the indenting includes rolling a wheel having aplurality of punches across the back surface of the second layer.

In some embodiments, the indenting the second layer into the first layerdoes not pierce through the front surface of the first layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the drawings that form a part of this disclosure,and which illustrate the embodiments in which the devices and methodsdescribed herein can be practiced.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an article, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the article in FIG. 1A, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 1C shows an exploded perspective view of the article in FIGS. 1A,1B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for a method, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a portion of a roofing shingle, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle of FIG. 3A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a punch for manufacturing the roofing shingle of FIGS. 3A,3B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows a portion of a roofing shingle, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle of FIG. 5A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a punch for manufacturing the roofing shingle of FIGS. 5A,5B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A shows a portion of a roofing shingle, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle of FIG. 7A,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a punch for manufacturing the roofing shingle of FIGS. 7A,7B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a wheel used to manufacture a roofing shingle, according tosome embodiments.

Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An article, such as a multilayered roofing shingle, can be formed ofmultiple layers fastened together using a series of indentations. Whenhandled (e.g., during transport/delivery or the like), such multilayeredroofing shingles can develop small, benign cracks at an edge of a layerwhere the layer is fastened to another layer.

Embodiments of this disclosure can reduce stresses around an indentationfastening the two layers together. In some embodiments, the layers canbe fastened by an indentation punch in which one layer of the shingle ispartially pressed into the other layer. In some embodiments, theindentations are made on the back side of the laminated shingle suchthat the back layer is partially indented into the front layer. In someembodiments, the indentations are made in an area where laminatingadhesive is applied in the common bond area. In such embodiments, theindentations can be made after application of the laminating adhesive.

Embodiments of this disclosure further include an elongated and taperedpunch (e.g., toward the edge of the back layer (e.g., the backerlayer)), which creates an indentation that tapers out to the edge of theback layer and reduces or eliminates the edge stress of a single roundpunch. The indentations extend to the edge of the back layer. In someembodiments, the punch can be barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped,rounded taper teardrop shaped, or combinations thereof. The punchesprovide a more visible punch and a stress relieving function toward theedge of the back layer.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an article 10, according to someembodiments. FIG. 1B shows a rear view of the article 10 in FIG. 1A,according to some embodiments. FIG. 1C shows an exploded perspectiveview of the article 10 in FIGS. 1A, 1B, according to some embodiments.

Collectively, FIGS. 1A-1C show the article 10, according to someembodiments. In some embodiments, the article 10 is a roofing shingle.In some embodiments, the article 10 is a multilayered roofing shingle.The illustrated article 10 is a two-layered roofing shingle. It is to beappreciated that the article 10 can be a multilayered roofing shinglethat includes more than two layers.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the article 10 includes a first layer 15 and asecond layer 20. The first layer 15 can be referred to as the top layer15 and the second layer 20 can be referred to as the bottom layer 20. Insome embodiments, the first layer 15 can be a dragon tooth layer. Insome embodiments, the second layer 20 can be a backer layer.

The article 10 can include a fines stripe 25, a paint line, orcombination thereof, on the first layer 15. In some embodiments, thefines stripe 25 can mark an area of the article 10 which an installer(e.g., a roofer or the like) nails the article 10 to a roof of abuilding when installing.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the article 10 includes a plurality ofindentations 30. The plurality of indentations 30 are spaced from oneanother and extend along a major dimension L of the article 10. In someembodiments, the plurality of indentations 30 extend along the entiremajor dimension L of the article 10. In some embodiments, the pluralityof indentations 30 can be aligned such that a feature (e.g., an extentof the plurality of indentations 30, a center of the plurality ofindentations 30, or the like) is colinear along the major dimension L. Anumber and spacing S of the plurality of indentations 30 can vary. Insome embodiments, the spacing S can be from at or about 0.1 inches to ator about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the spacing S can be from at orabout 0.25 inches to at or about 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, thespacing S can be from at or about 0.5 inches to at or about 2 inches. Insome embodiments, the spacing S can be at or about 1 inches.

The indentations 30 are shown in FIG. 1C. However, it is to beappreciated that this is for illustrative purposes only and that theindentations 30 are present when the first layer 15 and the second layer20 are joined together. Moreover, the indentations 30 would also beformed into the first layer 15, though not visible in FIG. 1C forsimplicity of the figures. Examples are shown and described relative toFIGS. 3A-8 below.

The plurality of indentations 30 can be oriented such that a majordimension X of the indentations is parallel to a minor dimension W ofthe article 10. In some embodiments, the major dimension X can be fromat or about 0.1 inches to at or about 1 inch.

The plurality of indentations 30 can have a minor dimension Y. In someembodiments, the minor dimension Y can be from at or about 0.05 inchesto at or about 0.15 inches.

The plurality of indentations 30 can partially press the second layer 20into the first layer 15 such that the second layer 20 is partiallyindented into the first layer 15. This is shown and described inadditional detail in accordance with FIGS. 3A-8 below. The plurality ofindentations 30 do not pierce through the front surface of the firstlayer 15.

The plurality of indentations 30 can have a barrel shape (FIGS. 3A, 3Bbelow), a flattened teardrop shape (FIGS. 5A, 5B below), a rounded taperteardrop shape (FIGS. 7A, 7B below), or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the plurality of indentations 30 are the same shape. Insome embodiments, the plurality of indentations 30 can have differentshapes. Generally, it may be simpler to manufacture the article 10 whenthe plurality of indentations 30 are the same along the major dimensionL of the article 10.

The plurality of indentations 30 can secure the second layer 20 to thefirst layer 15. That is, in some embodiments, the plurality ofindentations 30 can secure the second layer 20 to the first layer 15without additional securements such as, but not limited to, adhesives orfasteners. In some embodiments, the article 10 can include a layer of anadhesive 35 (FIG. 1C) applied between the first layer 15 and the secondlayer 20. In such embodiments, the first layer 15 and the second layer20 can be held together by a combination including the plurality ofindentations 30 and the adhesive 35.

In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations 30 can have a depthof at or about 0.05 to at or about 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, theplurality of indentations 30 can have a depth of at or about 0.1 inches.As used herein, “at or about” can be subject to, for example,manufacturing tolerances or the like. In some embodiments, the pluralityof indentations 30 are flattened teardrop shaped and have a depth of ator about 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the plurality of indentations30 are rounded taper teardrop shaped and have a depth of at or about 0.1inches.

A portion of the first layer 15 overlaps the second layer 20. Theportion can be referred to as the common bond area 40. In someembodiments, the plurality of indentations 30 are formed within thecommon bond area 40. Similarly, when an adhesive is present, theadhesive is included in the common bond area 40 between the first layer15 and the second layer 20.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for a method 100, according to someembodiments. The method 100 can generally be performed to manufacture anarticle such as the article 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C). In some embodiments, themethod 100 is performed to secure layers of a roofing shingle togetherto form a multilayer roofing shingle. In some embodiments, the method100 can be used to manufacture the roofing shingles shown and describedin accordance with FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B below.

At block 105, the method 100 includes aligning a first layer (e.g., thefirst layer 15 of FIGS. 1A-1C) of an article (e.g., the article 10 ofFIGS. 1A-1C) with a second layer (e.g., the second layer 20 of FIGS.1A-1C) of the article. The first layer includes a front surface and aback surface. The second layer includes a front surface and a backsurface. The front surface of the second layer contacts the back surfaceof the first layer when aligned. In some embodiments, an adhesive layercan be disposed between the front surface of the second layer and theback surface of the first layer.

At block 110, the method 100 includes indenting the second layer intothe first layer sufficiently to fasten the second layer to the firstlayer. The indenting includes forming a plurality of indentations thatare at least one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped, roundedtaper teardrop shaped, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, themethod 100 includes indenting the second layer into the first layeralong an entire major dimension (e.g., major dimension L in FIGS. 1A,1B) of the article. In some embodiments, block 110 includes rolling awheel (e.g., the wheel 450 of FIG. 9) across a the major dimension ofthe article.

In some embodiments, an adhesive can optionally be applied prior toblock 110. In such embodiments, the adhesive can be applied prior toblock 105 (e.g., at block 115) in some embodiments. When the adhesive ispresent, the adhesive can be applied to the front surface of the secondlayer or to the back surface of the first layer.

In some embodiments, a fines stripe can be applied at block 120 onto afront surface of the first layer.

FIG. 3A shows a roofing shingle 150, according to some embodiments. FIG.3B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle 150, according to someembodiments. FIGS. 3A-3B will be discussed generally, unless specificreference is made otherwise.

The roofing shingle 150 includes a plurality of barrel-shapedindentations 155. The plurality of barrel-shaped indentations 155 arespaced along the major dimension L of the roofing shingle 150. Theroofing shingle 150 includes the first layer 15 and the second layer 20.The plurality of barrel-shaped indentations 155 have a length 160 and awidth 165. A depth 170 is such that a portion of the second layer 20 isindented into the first layer 15, without piercing through the firstlayer 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of barrel-shapedindentations 155 are adjacent to an edge 180 of the second layer 20.

FIG. 4 shows a punch 200 for manufacturing the roofing shingle 150 ofFIGS. 3A, 3B, according to some embodiments. The punch 200 has arounded-barrel shape. The punch has a length 205 and a width 210. Thelength 205 corresponds to the length 160 (FIG. 3A) and the width 210 tothe width 165 (FIG. 3A) of the plurality of barrel-shaped indentations155 (FIG. 3A). A height 215 of the punch 200 corresponds to the depth170 (FIG. 3B).

FIG. 5A shows a roofing shingle 250, according to some embodiments. FIG.5B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle 250, according to someembodiments. FIGS. 5A-5B will be discussed generally, unless specificreference is made otherwise.

The roofing shingle 250 includes a plurality of flattened teardropshaped indentations 255. The plurality of flattened teardrop shapedindentations 255 are spaced along the major dimension L of the roofingshingle 250. The roofing shingle 250 includes the first layer 15 and thesecond layer 20. The plurality of flattened teardrop shaped indentations255 have a length 260 and a width 265. A depth 270 is such that aportion of the second layer 20 is indented into the first layer 15,without piercing through the first layer 15. The depth 270 is shallowerat an edge 280 of the second layer 20 than spaced from the edge 280.That is, the depth 270 varies due to the flattened teardrop shape. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the plurality of flattened teardrop shapedindentations 255 are adjacent to the edge 280 of the second layer 20.

FIG. 6 shows a punch 300 for manufacturing the roofing shingle 250 ofFIGS. 5A, 5B, according to some embodiments. The punch 300 has aflattened teardrop shape. The punch has a length 305 and a width 310.The length 305 corresponds to the length 260 (FIG. 5A) and the width 310to the width 265 (FIG. 5A) of the plurality of flattened teardrop shapedindentations 255 (FIG. 5A). A height 315 of the punch 300 corresponds tothe depth 270 (FIG. 5B). The punch 300 has a radius 320. In someembodiments, the radius 320 is at or about 0.06 inches.

FIG. 7A shows a roofing shingle 350, according to some embodiments. FIG.7B shows a sectional view of the roofing shingle 350, according to someembodiments. FIGS. 7A-7B will be discussed generally, unless specificreference is made otherwise.

The roofing shingle 350 includes a plurality of rounded taper teardropshaped indentations 355. The plurality of rounded taper teardrop shapedindentations 355 are spaced along the major dimension L of the roofingshingle 350. The roofing shingle 350 includes the first layer 15 and thesecond layer 20. The plurality of rounded taper teardrop shapedindentations 355 have a length 360 and a width 365. As shown, the width365 tapers toward an edge 380 such that the width is relatively smallestadjacent the edge 380 (i.e., narrower at the edge 380). A depth 370 issuch that a portion of the second layer 20 is indented into the firstlayer 15, without piercing through the first layer 15. The depth 370 isshallower at the edge 380 of the second layer 20 than spaced from theedge 380. That is, the depth 370 varies due to the rounded taperteardrop shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of roundedtaper teardrop shaped indentations 355 are formed adjacent to the edge380 (i.e., not spaced).

FIG. 8 shows a punch 400 for manufacturing the roofing shingle 350 ofFIGS. 7A, 7B, according to some embodiments. The punch 400 has a roundedtaper teardrop shape. The punch has a length 405 and a width 410. Thelength 405 corresponds to the length 360 (FIG. 7A) and the width 410 tothe width 365 (FIG. 7A) of the plurality of rounded taper teardropshaped indentations 355 (FIG. 7A). A height 415 of the punch 400corresponds to the depth 370 (FIG. 7B). The punch 400 has a radius 420.In some embodiments, the radius is at or about 0.04 inches.

FIG. 9 shows a wheel 450 used to manufacture an article such as thearticle 10 (FIGS. 1A-1C) or the roofing shingles 150, 250, 350 (FIGS.3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 7A, 7B), according to some embodiments. In theillustrated embodiment, the wheel 450 include a plurality of punches200. It is to be appreciated that the punches 200 are an example. Insome embodiments, the punches 200 on the wheel 450 can be replaced bythe punch 300 or the punch 400. In some embodiments, the wheel 450 caninclude a combination of punches 200, 300, or 400.

In some embodiments, the punches 200 can be spaced 455 at or about 1inch apart. In some embodiments, the punches 200 can be spaced from ator about 0.5 inches to at or about 2 inches apart. It is to beappreciated that the spacing between the punches 200 can vary accordingto a spacing of indentations on the article.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and isnot intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include theplural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this Specification,specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components.

It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially inmatters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, andarrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. This Specification and the embodiments described areexamples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure beingindicated by the embodiments that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A roofing shingle, comprising: a first layerincluding a front surface and a back surface; a second layer including afront surface and a back surface, wherein a portion of the second layeroverlaps the first layer, wherein a portion of the second layer fastenedto the first layer, wherein the back surface of the first layer contactsthe front surface of the second layer; and a plurality of indentationsalong a major dimension of the roofing shingle, wherein the plurality ofindentations: configured to partially press the second layer into thefirst layer such that the second layer is partially indented into thefirst layer, and at least one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardropshaped, rounded taper teardrop shaped, or combinations thereof.
 2. Theroofing shingle of claim 1, wherein the first layer is a dragon toothlayer and the second layer is a backer layer.
 3. The roofing shingle ofclaim 1, comprising an adhesive between the first layer and the secondlayer.
 4. The roofing shingle of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofindentations have a depth of 0.05 to 0.2 inches.
 5. The roofing shingleof claim 1, wherein the plurality of indentations comprise the flattenedteardrop shape and have a depth of 0.1 inches.
 6. The roofing shingle ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of indentations comprise the roundedtaper teardrop shape and have a depth of 0.1 inches.
 7. The roofingshingle of claim 1, wherein the first layer comprises a fines stripedisposed on the front surface of the first layer.
 8. The roofing shingleof claim 1, wherein the plurality of indentations aligned along themajor dimension of the roofing shingle.
 9. The roofing shingle of claim1, wherein the plurality of indentations oriented along a minordimension of the roofing shingle.
 10. The roofing shingle of claim 1,wherein the plurality of indentations taper such that the plurality ofindentations are narrower at an edge of the second layer.
 11. Theroofing shingle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of indentations extendalong an entire length of an area where the first layer overlaps thesecond layer.
 12. A method, comprising: aligning a first layer of aroofing shingle with a second layer of the roofing shingle, wherein thefirst layer includes a front surface and a back surface, wherein thesecond layer includes a front surface and a back surface, and whereinthe front surface of the second layer contacts the back surface of thefirst layer; indenting the second layer into the first layersufficiently to fasten the second layer to the first layer, and whereinthe indenting includes forming a plurality of indentations that are atleast one of barrel-shaped, flattened teardrop shaped, rounded taperteardrop shaped, or combinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the indenting the second layer into the first layer comprisesindenting along a major dimension of the second layer.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, comprising applying an adhesive to one of the back surface ofthe first layer or the front surface of the second layer.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the applying the adhesive is prior to the aligningthe first layer and the second layer.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the indenting comprises rolling a wheel across the back surfaceof the second layer, wherein the wheel comprise a plurality of punches.17. The method of claim 12, comprising applying a fines stripe on thefront surface of the first layer.
 18. The method of claim 12, whereinthe plurality of indentations are aligned along a major dimension of theroofing shingle.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofindentations are oriented along a minor dimension of the roofingshingle.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the indenting the secondlayer does not pierce through the front surface of the first layer.